Ishant says missing Lanka series was a setback, thanks Sehwag for return

Ishant Sharma said even though it was hard for him to swallow the snub late last year, the experience has taught him to be more patient.
Addressing the media after the opening day's play in the second Test against Bangladesh here, Ishant said the selectors were also right in dropping him f

Ishant Sharma said even though it was hard for him to swallow the snub late last year, the experience has taught him to be more patient.

Addressing the media after the opening day's play in the second Test against Bangladesh here, Ishant said the selectors were also right in dropping him from the subsequent home ODI series against the Lankans as he did not deserve to be a part of the squad.

"It was a very hard time for me in those days (when he was dropped). I was desperate to play for the country. It was the first time I was experiencing that because for the last three years my career has been up and up. But I learnt from that experience that I should be patient in life and in bowling also," said Ishant, who took four Bangladeshi wickets in the first innings.

"I don't think in the form I was in at that time I deserve a place in the ODI side (against Sri Lanka). I thank the selectors for that.

"I don't think I have any technical flaw. It (being dropped) is part and parcel of any cricketer's life. You have to face that and it was a challenge. I am happy that I learnt to be patient at the hard times," he added.

Ishant also thanked his Delhi Team-mate Virender Sehwag and feels the dashing opener played a part in the pacer's comeback bid in the playing XI.

"Moreover, all the senior players helped me a lot when I made my comeback. I want to thank Viru (Sehwag) as I think he had a role to play in my selection in the first Test in Chittagong," he said.

The gangling pacer new bowling coach Eric Simons was helping him in gaining his rhythm back.

"I think I have got back my rhythm. It is really good to get the rhythm back at the beginning of the season as a big series against South Africa is coming next month. It is good for me and for the team as we all are looking for the series," said the 21-year-old right-arm fast bowler.

"I am working on my bowling with Eric Simons. He tells me about my wrist and my bowling. So far it has been good. Let us see how it goes against South Africa," said Ishant.

Ishant said he was happy that Indian bowlers did a good job by bowling at the right areas.

"It was a good toss to lose as the wicket was damp in the morning with some dew. We bowled at the right areas and we remained patient for the wickets. You need to be patient to get wickets," he said.

"We bowled at the right areas and kept applying pressure on them," he added.

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